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“A clear, compelling, and comprehensive guide to how journalism, at its best, should work. Students and veterans alike could learn a great deal from it.”
—Alan Rusbridger, editor-in-chief, The Guardian, 1995–2015
“This book should be on every reporter’s desk. Journalism ethics made easy and practical. Eric Wishart put his decades of experience, as a reporter, editor-in-chief, and standards and ethics editor, into these chapters on the many ethical dilemmas a journalist can come across. As a handbook and a quick reference work, the book is a true treasure trove.”
—Margo Smit, president, The Organization of News Ombuds and Standards Editors
“Eric Wishart brings a depth of experience and wisdom to this succinct, easy-to-read examination of the ethics and culture of journalism. As a refresher for professionals or a primer for students and information consumers who want to understand the principles of responsible, reliable journalism, this compact work is rich with valuable lessons and guidance.”
—Fred Brown, ethics committee chair, Society of Professional Journalists
“This is an essential book for those carving out a career in journalism and seeking to build solid foundations from strong ethics. It is an excellent guide for student journalists and those seeking a refresher in the principles that steer this noble profession. It is the perfect work for anyone interested in how accurate, trustworthy, truth-seeking, fact-driven journalism is created.”
—Leona O’Neill, head of undergraduate journalism, Ulster University
“Teachers and students of journalism will find this book useful as a textbook on journalistic ethics. News organisations can use it as a handy reference for newsroom practice, while members of the public interested in debating the do’s and don’ts of journalism can use it as a starting point for discussion.”
—C. K. Lau, former head and professor, Department of Journalism, Hong Kong Baptist University, and former editor-in-chief, South China Morning Post
“Eric is a champion in news organisational risk management and a huge advocate for journalists’ safety. He has seen so many untrained and ill-prepared journalist lives lost due to ‘war, natural disasters and direct targeting’. News organisations and journalists have an ethical responsibility to try to minimise the risks involved in the reporting and production of news.”
—Tony Loughran, global risk specialist, author of Zero Risk: Keeping Others Safein a Dangerous World
Preface vii
Acknowledgements xiv
Introduction 1
Chapter 1: Accuracy 4
Chapter 2: Seek the Truth 13
Chapter 3: Balance, Impartiality, Fairness 22
Chapter 4: Independence 33
Chapter 5: Sourcing 44
Chapter 6: Social Media 55
Chapter 7: Duty of Care and Minimising Harm 63
Chapter 8: Photo, Video, and Infographics 73
Chapter 9: Graphic Imagery 85
Chapter 10: Representation of Women 95
Chapter 11: Gender and Sexual Orientation 102
Chapter 12: Race, Religion, Ethnicity 112
Chapter 13: Disability and Mental Health 123vi Contents
Chapter 14: Medicine and Health 133
Chapter 15: Business and Finance 145
Chapter 16: Climate Change 156
Chapter 17: Crime 165
Chapter 18: Elections 179
Chapter 19: Artificial Intelligence 189
Chapter 20: Safety 196
Chapter 21: Wars and Conflict 208
Further Reading 219
About the Author 222